18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.06 percent of the residents in 18626 has some form of health insurance. 38.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.75 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 18626 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18626. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 166 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 175 health care providers accessible to residents in 18626, Laporte, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within ZIP code 18626, encompassing Laporte, Pennsylvania, with a specific emphasis on primary care availability and related factors. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, assessing the strengths and weaknesses in managing hypertension within this defined geographic area.

Evaluating the healthcare infrastructure in Laporte requires a multi-faceted approach, beginning with physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio suggests a potential strain on resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Data from various sources, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, would be essential to accurately determine this ratio for 18626. This data would be compared to national and state averages to understand the relative adequacy of the primary care workforce. The analysis would also account for the age distribution of the population in Laporte, as older populations often require more frequent medical attention, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographical distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Even if the overall physician-to-patient ratio appears adequate, a concentration of practices in one area, and a lack of access in another, could create disparities in care. The analysis would consider the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve a disproportionate number of patients with chronic conditions and limited resources. The proximity of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also important. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense in managing hypertension, access to specialized care is critical for complex cases or when complications arise.

Identifying standout practices within 18626 would involve reviewing publicly available data on quality metrics, patient reviews, and other relevant indicators. This could include examining patient outcomes related to hypertension control, such as the percentage of patients whose blood pressure is consistently within the target range. The analysis would also consider the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, lifestyle counseling, and medication adherence strategies would be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing the quality of hypertension care in Laporte. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas, by reducing the need for travel and offering convenient virtual consultations. The analysis would explore the availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices in 18626, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote blood pressure monitoring) and the platforms used. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows, demonstrating improved patient engagement and outcomes, would be highlighted.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is particularly important for managing hypertension. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure control. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health services within primary care practices in 18626, including the presence of on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions and offer integrated behavioral health services would be considered to be providing a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is also crucial. Patients need to understand their condition, the importance of lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise), and the proper use of medications. The analysis would assess the availability of educational materials in various formats (e.g., pamphlets, online resources) and the extent to which practices actively engage patients in their care through shared decision-making and personalized counseling. Practices that empower patients to take an active role in managing their hypertension would be considered to be providing higher-quality care.

The analysis would also consider the impact of social determinants of health on hypertension management in Laporte. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and safe housing can significantly influence a patient's ability to control their blood pressure. Practices that are aware of these factors and address them through community partnerships or social support programs would be viewed favorably.

The analysis would not only assess the current state of hypertension care in 18626 but also look at trends over time. This would involve examining data from previous years to identify any improvements or declines in key indicators, such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and patient outcomes. This longitudinal perspective would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements are needed.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. It would not be a simple summation of individual scores but rather a nuanced assessment that considers the interplay of different elements. The score would be accompanied by a detailed narrative, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Laporte, and providing specific recommendations for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laporte, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18626), and to visually explore the distribution of physicians, access to care, and other relevant factors, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geospatial data, enabling you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in healthcare access and quality.